Thrombophlebitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Deep venous thrombosis, ileofemoral

Venous blood clot

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Thrombophlebitis

Alternative Names:

Phlebitis

Treatment:

For more specific recommendations, see the particular condition. In general, treatment may include the following:

Medications
- analgesics (pain medications)
- anticoagulants or blood thinners to prevent new clot formation
- thrombolytics to dissolve an existing clot
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
- antibiotics (if infection is present)
Support stockings and wraps to reduce discomfort

You may be advised to do the following:

Elevate the affected area to reduce swelling.
Keep pressure off of the area to reduce pain and decrease the risk of further damage.
Apply moist heat to reduce inflammation and pain.

Surgical removal, stripping, or bypass of the vein is rarely needed but may be recommended in some situations.

Expectations (prognosis):

Thrombophlebitis and other forms of phlebitis usually respond to prompt medical treatment.

Complications:

Complications are rare, but when they occur they can be serious.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate thrombophlebitis may be present.

Call your health care provider promptly if you have or suspect you have thrombophlebitis and symptoms do not improve with treatment. Also call promptly if symptoms worsen or if new symptoms occur, such as an entire limb becoming pale, cold, or swollen or if chills and fever develop.

Review Date: 4/19/2004
Reviewed By: Brian F. Burke M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Munson Medical Center, Traverse City, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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